Two owners of small businesses in Michigan blame President Barack Obama for the increasing cost of covering employees' medical insurance and shipping goods to customers.

David Rhoa, president of Lake Michigan Mailers in Kalamazoo, and John Haggard, president of Haggard's Plumbing and Heating in Charlevoix, joined Republican Attorney General Bill Schuette on Thursday to criticize Obama's economic record.

Schuette is the chairman of Mitt Romney's campaign in Michigan and organized a conference call with reporters.

"His policies have hamstrung our economy," said Rhoa, who employs 55 people at his direct-mail company.

He said the federal health-care law championed by Obama, along with his energy policy, have forced businesses to "put our hands in our pockets and not expand."

Why?

Rhoa said his business now spends 100 administrative hours a year to comply with the health law, where it used to be 10 on decisions like choosing what insurance plans to offer workers.

Another complaint: If he continues providing health insurance to his employees, he said he will pay more because of new coverage requirements (he did not specify which ones.) If he stops employees' health coverage to save money, he estimated he would have to pay an estimated $42,000 fine to the federal government each year.

"It's a terrible choice to put job creators in ... you have to buy at a higher level than you can afford or pay a penalty," Rhoa told reporters. "Either way we're out. We're not able to invest in people and our country."

When pressed that health costs have been rising regardless of the federal mandate (which takes effect in 2014), Rhoa acknowledged that health expenses have not led to job losses at his company. But he said it could have a real impact in the future, as he may be reluctant to add full-time employees because of the health law.

Both Rhoa and Haggard also criticized Obama's energy policy

Haggard said gas and fuel costs are “killing the resort business and the tourism business" in northern Michigan. He faulted Obama for pushing solar and other renewable energy options and blocking domestic oil production.

Gas prices have dropped in recent weeks as the economy has slowed. For a look at whether falling gas prices could help Obama, click here.